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One animal charity says Christmas is one of the most hazardous times of the year for pets with hundreds at an increased risk of illness or injury.

In the past week alone the charity has already seen around five cases of pets that have required emergency treatment due to Christmas related conditions.

Common injuries include cats injured from climbing Christmas trees, dogs choking on new toys and presents, and illness due to eating other toxic substances such as mistletoe and 'Christmas' flowers.The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) give this advice:

Always supervise pets in rooms containing trees, and keep doors to these rooms closed when you’re not around.

All decorations should be kept out of reach and not trail on the floor. Also make sure they are fixed securely to reduce the chances of them falling down while you are out.

Keep any items containing chocolate in a high, secure cupboard, and don’t forget this includes gifts that might otherwise be left under the tree. Dogs often find ripping open parcels, especially ones containing edible treats, irresistible!

Cat owners should keep lilies out of the house entirely, due to the danger of cats brushing against them and then licking the highly poisonous pollen off their fur.

Make sure you know what your vet’s emergency out of hours arrangements are this Christmas, should an accident occur.